THERE is now a vacancy on Lyme Regis Town Council as a member has failed to attend council meetings.

As of Tuesday, December 22, Leon Howe, is no longer a councillor having not attended a meeting for six months. His seat is now being advertised.

Notice of a vacancy was given on Tuesday and an election will be held if one is requested by 10 Lyme Regis electors within 14 days of the notice.

This means requests for an election must be received by Dorset Council's returning officer by 15 January 2021.

Lyme Regis town clerk, John Wright, said: "As Leon Howe did not attend the Full Council meeting on Wednesday, December 16, he has failed to attend council meetings for six consecutive months and as such, he automatically ceases to be a member of the council.

"This is outlined in the Local Government Act 1972 and is referred to in the council’s standing orders.

"Leon has been informed he is no longer a councillor and notification has been given to Dorset Council’s electoral services team.

"However, due to regulations under the Coronavirus Act 2020, local by-elections cannot be held until 6 May 2021, so the vacancy will remain until at least that date."

Dorset Council has confirmed if an election is called, a poll will take place on May 6 2021.